Associated Press: Highlights Monday from the Texas LegislatureHomebuilders contributed at least $8.9 million the past four years to state leaders and legislators and along the way won passage in 2003 of a bill that diminishes homeowners' rights, two watchdog groups said Monday.

Associated Press Highlights Monday from the Texas LegislatureHOMEBUILDER BUCKS01/24/2005 Homebuilders contributed at least $8.9 million the past four years to state leaders and legislators and along the way won passage in 2003 of a bill that diminishes homeowners' rights, two watchdog groups said Monday. The report compiled by the nonprofit Campaigns for People examined campaign contribution amounts filed with the Texas Ethics Commission from Jan. 2001 until Nov. 1, just before the 2004 election. The homebuilders who gave those large donations to state officials apparently had their message heard, said Brian Donovan, community organizer for Campaigns for People. He said constituents need to be heard, too. "We believe that everyone's voice should be able to come through at the Capitol," he said. The Texas Association of Builders rejected the contention that their industry holds special sway with lawmakers. Builders participate in the legislative process as do representatives of any other industry, said Scott Norman, vice president for governmental affairs for the group. Campaigns for People said it will push again this legislative session for campaign finance reform. The group favors some limits  an unspecified amount at this point  on donations to individual state candidates and an aggregate limit of $25,000 per election cycle on what someone can donate to all candidates combined